Boys & Girls Club of Hutchinson/Kids After School, Inc.
Location: Reno County, Kansas
Cost: $447,870 (2006 fiscal year budget)
What began as a small after-school initiative for children in rural Reno County, Kansas is now a program serving an average of 350 youth per day. Leaders at Kids After School (KAS) built a strong initiative using funding from the local United Way, parent fees and in-kind support from the local public schools and local government offices. As demand grew, the Reno County Extension Service applied for and received a federal grant on behalf of KAS, which provided 80 percent of KAS’s funding for five years.
Before the federal grant ended, KAS leaders began a marketing and public relations effort that garnered funding from the local United Way and other local organizations. Aware of KAS’ expanding size and reputation for offering good programming, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America approached the organization to create a new partnership for services. Together, they secured donated space from the city of Hutchinson, which now serves as the primary program site.
In addition, the organization runs programming at an elementary school, a teen center to better serve youth in grades seven through 12, and a site to serve youth with disabilities. All four sites offer after-school education and enrichment activities from 2:30 to 6:00 on school-day afternoons and from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. weekdays during summer. The program provides daily transportation from every Hutchinson elementary and middle school during the school year and annually serves about 850 children from first through twelfth grade.
The program offers a large and varied menu that includes homework help or tutoring, arts, sports, outdoor activities, and classes on subjects ranging from digital photography and computer skills to healthy cooking. Students can also explore career options and develop leadership skills through mentoring other youth.
Funding during the 2006 fiscal year came from many sources. The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention gave the program $123,500, while the city of Hutchinson contributed approximately $48,000 out of its social service fund. In-kind support was valued at about $100,000—more than 20 percent of the program’s budget. Local United Way funding accounted for $58,000. A contract with area vending machine distributors brought in $6,500, and local fundraising provided about $72,000. Fees accounted for another $39,000; the program charges families $105 for the first child to participate, with decreased fees for each additional sibling.
Updated January, 2009.
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